Investigating the Impact of Weekly Weblog Assignments on the Learning Environment of a Secondary Biology Course

Authors

  • Eric Brunsell College of Education and Human Services, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
  • Christopher Cimino Mesa Verde High School in Citrus Heights California

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37119/ojs2009.v15i2.55

Abstract

A weblog, or blog, presents an intriguing way to create a collaborative space within a traditional classroom structure. Well-constructed blog assignments may provide a safe environment and encourage a collaborative learning culture. This study explores the use of blog-based assignments on student participation in a high school biology course. Data collected from field notes, surveys, student interviews, and quiz scores provided evidence that the blog assignments had a positive impact on in-class participation rate, self-directed research, achievement, and classroom environment.

Keywords: weblog; blog; blog-based assignments

Author Biographies

  • Eric Brunsell, College of Education and Human Services, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
    Eric Brunsell is an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Dr. Brunsell is also a faculty member in the EXCEL Center for teacher professional development at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
  • Christopher Cimino, Mesa Verde High School in Citrus Heights California
    Christopher Cimino is a science teacher and science department chair at Mesa Verde High School in Citrus Heights California.

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Published

2013-01-03